Shanthi street kids.

shanthi

Hey people!,

I've been in and out of India for the past few years, basically working with severley disabled kids in Tamil Nadu and caring for one special "son". I'm a Director of a registered Irish Charity and responsible for International Outreaches. I'm returning in October this year (2005) to open a refuge for street kids in the Krishnagiri District and the intention initially is to provide one meal a day with vitamin/mineral supplements and emergency medical aid to as many street kids as funding will allow.

Next year I'm intending to find and rent a largish property so that night shelter can be provided for those most at risk (hard one that.....they're all at risk).

I'd be VERY happy to welcome volunteers to the project for as long as you'd wish to come. Yet for first time visitors to India, I'd suggest that if you want to travel and sight-see as well as do a bit of volunteer work, then perhaps 6 months would be good....perhaps volunteer for three months and then go off to experience some more of India!. 3 months minimum with the kids would be good for them......it gives them a little bit of permanence instead of seeing new people every couple of weeks, if you get my drift!

I'd be pleased to give you an idea of what would be expected of you if you decided to come and help our for a few weeks and also let you know what would be offered in return. Make initial contact on this forum and then we can go from there. I have a website that is almost ready to be uploaded onto the Internet and will let you know here, when it's ready.

What must be remembered is that these children are a race apart from any others you have probably come across. They have been alone, abused, mistreated, tortured, used, deceived, manipulated & lied to, all their lives.....and we don't want to add to that! The "motto" for shanthistreetkids is this: (and you've probably heard it before....)

"To give dignity and respect to every man, simply because he is human, also includes our children"

shanthi

Hai fellow IM'ers. Glad to tell you that www.shanthistreetkids website is now up and running, as if you didn't know already!, and all thanks to john.sw - without whom it would still be in bits on my laptop! I'll be back in India from next Wednesday. Hopefully I'll be in Krishnagiri by the weekend and then begin seeking out my next "clients" who need food and medical attention. Funding has been approved, even if a little slow to begin with, but from the New Year I hope to begin the program, proper, also providing night shelter, education and vocational training! Meanwhile I'll be furnishing a meal a day etc...for as many kids as I can.

Volunteers, as I've said, will be welcome from the New Year and those interested might like to email me at the address you'll find on the website for more information!

Once again, THANKYOU to all of you who have been SO supportive to me in this quest and for your patience with all my questions that you've so graciously answered. I sincerely hope to see some of you during your trips to TN and I hope that some of you may consider coming to volunteer with us!

john.sw

IndiaMikers are young and old, from backpackers to 5 star hotel dwellers; travellers, tourists, expats and, of course, volunteers and charity workers.

Shanthi's www.shanthistreetkids.org is just one example of an IndiaMiker's work in India.

Who else is involved in charitable work or social welfare programmes in India?

Please tell us - we may be able to help!

__________________
www.nilgiris.asia your guide to the Nilgiris, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Gudalur

chagu

I am not sure what I do can be described as being charitable .......but:
I train Indian craftworkers, at grass roots level ,to create products which are market driven , teach them to use modern techniques ,be aware of new raw materials available etc . They are also taught new contemprory designs/colours/trends/products which they can then sell to both the domestic and international markets.This is to help the craft workers and their families earn more money and help the younger generation in villages etc keep the family traditions going ,instead of wanting to go off to the big metros to earn more money.As I am experienced in limited crafts , I bring western product designers to India who are happy to share their knowledge.

john.sw

That really is something!

Where are the products made?

Where can we see and buy these products?

Aristocat

Chagu, what you are doing is really great! There are a lot of traditional arts and crafts in India, many of which are dying out due to the reasons you mention. It would help if you could mention where these crafts and products can be seen and bought.

shanthi

Nice touch chagu ! Where in India do you do your work?

chagu

To date most of my projects have been with textiles as this is my area of experience. Products have been mainly sold abroad in UK/Europe/US/Japan.
While I was living in Delhi I did sell some to shops in Delhi but found very few Indians wanted to buy western designs. Things are now however changing .
One of the designers who was Japanese did come to India and teach Indian tie/dyers Japanese shibori techniques which resulted in the Jaipur market flooded with shibori saris and dupattas but in very bright colours as these were the colours the locals would wear.
I have actually sold shibori scarves and stoles to a Japanese store ..... coals and Newcastle come to mind.
My last project was in Kashmir working with embroidery craft workers , the products are just finished and I will hopefully market them soon.
My next project is Khurja pottery. Hopefully the workshops will take place during Xmas/New Year and the products will be on sale throuh Dilli Haat etc. I will be haapy to update on this website for anyone who might be interested.

mahimi

I do appreciate the projects you have undertaken for the benefit of the craftsmen and am keen to know more. I also work for the development and promotion of crafts of my state and also take up more or less similar kind of projects and would appreciate if you can keep me updated and share more either on this site or PM me . Do let me know when these products are being put up for sale in Dilli Haat..if I happen to be in Delhi at that time I would certainly pay a visit..... All the BEST!!!